Orangeburg Sheriff: Quadruple homicide in Holly Hill will be solved

ORANGEBURG, S.C. (WOLO) — Orangeburg County Sheriff Leroy Ravenell said a special task force will be dedicated solely to investigate the quadruple homicide in Holly Hill and vowed that justice will be served. Its been several months since the bodies of four victims were found at a home on Old State Road just outside the small town. The victims died of gunshot wounds to the head, according to Coroner Samuetta Marshall. They were identified as Tamara Perry, 14; Shamekia Sanders, 17; Krystal Hutto, 28; and Jerome Butler, 50. An 8-year-old boy, who has not been identified, survived the shooting. During the press conference Wednesday morning at the Orangeburg County Complex Sheriff Ravenell said, “This case is not standing still.” The Sheriffs Office has created a hotline solely for this case, 1-888-825-7172. Five billboards will be placed across the county to help garner more information about the case. In July, investigators named a Moncks Corner man with a violent criminal history a person of interest in the case. 26-year-old Michael “Rambo” Smith Jr., was arrested but has not been charged in the deaths. Sheriff Ravenell said the biggest challenge in this case is the fear from citizens who may have an idea what happened but are scared to speak up. ”These victims did not deserve to die this way,” Ravenell said. “We will not tolerate these offenders who committed this crime to walk among us as citizens of this community.” Sheriff Ravenell said Chris Wright, the father of three of the victims is not being helpful. The murders were planned and were committed by at least two individuals, Ravenell said. Based on evidence from an analyst who looked into this case, Ravenell said the offenders education was probably high school or less no legitimate job, but will likely have a criminal history. “Time is running out,” Ravenell said. “The will be solved.” The Sheriff released profile information of the Holly Hill murderers: -We believe that this crime was committed by two or more offenders. -At least one of the offenders is familiar with both Krystal Hutto and her habits, and that she lived at 7050 Old State Road, Holly Hill, SC. -This was a planned event; it was not a random act of violence. -At least one of the offenders knew what the outcome of this event would be: Murder. -We believe that the offenders were male and had some connections to the area where the car was located. -The offenders will most likely not be married; however, if they do live with someone they are not accountable to that person for their whereabouts. -At least one of the offenders had access to a vehicle; the manner and location of this murder would have dictated that they have or have access to a vehicle. -The offenders’ level of education would be high-school or less, but they would possess “street smarts.” -The offenders will have a criminal history of burglary and assault and battery and possibly other types of violent crimes. -The offenders will most likely not have a legitimate job, likely involved in criminal activity to get by. -At least one of the offenders took the Mercedes to an area that they would feel safe. -One of the offenders is familiar with the area where the Mercedes was found burned. -The offenders knew that they would not stand out in that area because they are familiar with the area. -It is possible that the followers may have gone to the residence with the leader, unaware that they were going to be participating in a quadruple murder. -Also, the leader will be described as self-confident, a “take-control” personality, lack of empathy, aggressive and self-absorbed. -This leader, because of his lack of empathy, has little to no problem with violence and is quick to act. -As with most deadly encounters involving more than one offender, when law enforcement gets close the leader will come to realize that the followers are a liability and need to be dealt with to protect themselves. -Their comments most likely will be noncommittal, asking others for their opinion on how or why it happened and whom they suspect may have committed the crime. -They may also ask if the authorities have contacted them and what they told investigators. – These changes may include anxiety, differences in food consumption, drug or alcohol use/abuse and changes in sleeping habits and patterns. -The fear of identification has become a “heavy burden” that is becoming all-consuming for killers. -They continue to pose a danger to friends and family members close to them. They may strike out unpredictably against those around them, particularly if they think that person or persons may suspect them of this crime. The tip hot-line number is 1-(888)-825-7172. Authorities are asking the community if they have any information on this case to contact that number.